Republican convention opens, then goes into recess for the day

TAMPA, Fla. -- Monday's official session of the Republican National Convention lasted just over 33 seconds, gaveled into recess until Tuesday.

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RNC Chairman Reince Priebus bangs the gavel to start the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 27 in Tampa, Fla.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus opened the convention promptly at 2 p.m. ET, and immediately thereafter ordered the convention into recess. The effective cancellation of Monday's activities came after inclement weather plagued the west coast of Florida for most of Monday.

There were a few extracurricular activities beyond the abbreviated official business.

Republicans started their clock tabulating mounting U.S. national debt over the course of their convention. (The clock approached about $15 million 10 minutes after the convention had been called to order.)

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Priebus also called for a moment of reflection for first responders keeping the convention safe and handling the impact of Tropical Storm Isaac.

A reverend also delivered a short invocation that, among other things, paid tribute to the late astronaut Neil Armstrong.

Beyond that, a half-full floor of delegates were treated to a short, inspirational film about nominee-in-waiting Mitt Romney.